Potential Energy 1 02 1 you 2 3 1 1 1 1 Reaction Coordinate 4 Which interval on this diagram represents the difference between the potential energy of the products and the potential energy of the reactants?

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**Potential Energy Diagram in Chemical Reactions**

This diagram illustrates the change in potential energy during a chemical reaction. The Y-axis represents the potential energy, while the X-axis represents the reaction coordinate, which traces the progression of the reaction from reactants to products.

Four key intervals are marked on the diagram, labeled 1 through 4:

1. **Interval 1**: Represents the potential energy difference between the reactants and the initial state before activation energy is applied.
2. **Interval 2**: Measures the energy difference between the reactants and the peak of the activation energy.
3. **Interval 3**: Denotes the activation energy required to reach the transition state from the reactants.
4. **Interval 4**: Shows the potential energy difference between the products and the reactants.

### Explanation of the Intervals:

- **Activation Energy (Interval 3)**: This is the energy barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to proceed. It is the highest point on the curve and is essential for understanding reaction rates.
  
- **Energy of Reaction (Interval 4)**: Represents the difference in potential energy between the reactants and the products. This is often referred to as the enthalpy change (ΔH) of the reaction. 

### Key Question:
**Which interval on this diagram represents the difference between the potential energy of the products and the potential energy of the reactants?**

The answer is **Interval 4**. This interval quantifies the change in potential energy from the reactants to the products, which is crucial for determining whether a reaction is exothermic (releases energy) or endothermic (absorbs energy).

Understanding these intervals helps in grasping the fundamental concepts of energy changes in chemical reactions, which are pivotal in fields like thermodynamics and kinetics.
Transcribed Image Text:**Potential Energy Diagram in Chemical Reactions** This diagram illustrates the change in potential energy during a chemical reaction. The Y-axis represents the potential energy, while the X-axis represents the reaction coordinate, which traces the progression of the reaction from reactants to products. Four key intervals are marked on the diagram, labeled 1 through 4: 1. **Interval 1**: Represents the potential energy difference between the reactants and the initial state before activation energy is applied. 2. **Interval 2**: Measures the energy difference between the reactants and the peak of the activation energy. 3. **Interval 3**: Denotes the activation energy required to reach the transition state from the reactants. 4. **Interval 4**: Shows the potential energy difference between the products and the reactants. ### Explanation of the Intervals: - **Activation Energy (Interval 3)**: This is the energy barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to proceed. It is the highest point on the curve and is essential for understanding reaction rates. - **Energy of Reaction (Interval 4)**: Represents the difference in potential energy between the reactants and the products. This is often referred to as the enthalpy change (ΔH) of the reaction. ### Key Question: **Which interval on this diagram represents the difference between the potential energy of the products and the potential energy of the reactants?** The answer is **Interval 4**. This interval quantifies the change in potential energy from the reactants to the products, which is crucial for determining whether a reaction is exothermic (releases energy) or endothermic (absorbs energy). Understanding these intervals helps in grasping the fundamental concepts of energy changes in chemical reactions, which are pivotal in fields like thermodynamics and kinetics.
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